Backstory:
Astonishing Flat is a group of four friends from the rustic hills of North Carolina, who came together in the spring of 2009. The band is composed of John “J.D.” Dalton, an energetic lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Mark “Mickey” Rutherford, the creatively eccentric lead guitarist, Paul “P.C.” Carter, the soulful bassist, and Scott “Scotty” Fields, a powerhouse drummer. They initially met at a local open mic night, where they bonded over their shared love for music and storytelling. Their diverse musical backgrounds, ranging from blues to indie rock, fused into a unique sound that would later form the backbone of Astonishing Flat.

The band spent a few years experimenting with their music, often performing at local bars and festivals. Their breakthrough came in 2013, when they caught the attention of a scout from an independent music label. Since then, Astonishing Flat has released three albums and toured across the country, gaining a dedicated fan base along the way.

Genre:
Indie Blues Rock

Title:
“Rustic Reverie”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[G]Trapped in this rustic town, [D]nothing but blues around,
[Em]Dreams are the only escape, [C]in this lonely landscape.
[G]Strings of my guitar hum, [D]to the beat of the distant drum,
[Em]Music is my saving grace, [C]in this forgotten space.

(Chorus)
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m a bird that’s free,
[Em]Flying over city lights, [C]chasing endless nights.
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m the deep blue sea,
[Em]Sailing on a melody, [C]I’m where I want to be.

(Verse 2)
[G]Stories hidden in every corner, [D]the spirit of a foreigner,
[Em]Lost in the rhythm and rhyme, [C]in the echo of time.
[G]Notes whisper in the breeze, [D]secrets hidden in the trees,
[Em]Music is my only guide, [C]on this endless ride.

(Chorus)
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m the wind that’s free,
[Em]Drifting over mountain highs, [C]chasing endless skies.
[G]In this rustic reverie, [D]I’m the wild, wide sea,
[Em]Sailing on a melody, [C]I’m where I want to be.

Band’s Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Abby Thompson. She has been with us since our early days, attending our local gigs and offering unwavering support. Abby once said, “Astonishing Flat isn’t just a band to me, they’re a part of my life. Their music has a raw, emotional quality that resonates with me deeply. It feels like they’re telling my story. Their song ‘Rustic Reverie’ is my anthem, it’s about being stuck but dreaming big, something I can personally relate to. It’s bands like these that make music worthwhile.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of New Orleans in 2006, Grave Festival was destined to bring a new wave of psychedelic rock to the music scene. The band was comprised of childhood friends Travis Monroe (vocals), Jackson “Jack” Riley (guitar), Tom Corbin (bass), and Alex Harris (drums). They owed their unique sounds to their diverse musical backgrounds. Monroe was classically trained, while Riley was heavily influenced by blues and Corbin and Harris were self-taught musicians with a penchant for experimenting with sounds. They decided on the name Grave Festival, inspired by the city’s voodoo history and the wild, free spirit of Mardi Gras.

The band got its first break playing in local bars and clubs, earning a reputation for its energetic performances and a unique sound that blended heavy guitar riffs, dreamy lyrics, and intense drumming. Their local success got the attention of indie label, ‘Moonstone Records,’ who signed them in 2008. Since then, Grave Festival has released three studio albums, each one showing the evolution of their sound and solidifying their place in the psychedelic rock scene.

Genre:
Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Spectral Carousel”

Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Underneath, the [C]twilight’s gaze
[G]Lost in a [C]Mardi Gras haze
[G]She dances with the [D]shadows, in a [C]spectral ballet
[G]Her eyes hold a [C]story, too [D]ancient to say

(Chorus)
[G]Spectral Carousel, [C]take us ’round
[G]Where the spirits [C]dance, and the [D]lost are found
[G]Underneath the [C]gumbo moon
[D]We’ll dance till [C]dawn, in [G]the heart of June

(Verse 2)
[G]Through the streets [C]that whisper tales
[G]Of love, of life, of [C]spirits that wail
[G]She moves with the [D]music, under [C]neon lights
[G]In the heart of [C]darkness, creates [D]nights of light

(Chorus)
[G]Spectral Carousel, [C]spin us high
[G]Underneath the [C]Louisiana sky
[G]In the rhythm of the [D]night, we [C]find our tune
[D]Beneath the [C]mardi gras [G]moon

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Lily and Grave Festival is my favorite band. Their music is like a kaleidoscope of sounds, blending the raw energy of rock with the ethereal quality of psychedelia. It simultaneously takes you on a journey through the streets of New Orleans and your own subconscious. Each song feels like exploring a new dimension of music and emotions. Also having met them a couple of times at their concerts, they are genuinely nice guys who appreciate their fans. I can’t wait to see where their music takes them and us next.

Backstory:
Smug Exhibition was born in a dingy garage in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. The band was initially formed as a trio in 2009, comprising of childhood friends Mason “Mase” Greer on guitar and vocals, Foster “Fozzy” King on drums, and Mitchell “Mitch” Haney on bass. The trio shared a common passion for meaningful lyrics, heavy rhythms, and a somewhat disheveled, indie charm. After years of jam sessions, basement shows, and late-night songwriting, they decided to take their music to the streets of Detroit, introducing their unique sound to the local music scene. They quickly gained traction and eventually, added a fourth member, Mia “Mimi” Dawson, an enigmatic keyboardist who added a much-needed layer of depth to their raw sound.

Genre:
Alternative Rock / Indie

Title:
“Alleyway Serenade”

Full Song Lyrics:
[Verse 1: Em, G, D, A]
(Em)In the heart of the night, under dim streetlight,
(G)Your shadow dances against the wall.
(D)An alleyway serenade, a promise vaguely made,
(A)Our graffiti love, destined to fall.

[Chorus: C, G, D, Em]
(C)In the silent surrender, under stars’ splendor,
(G)We paint the town with our reckless ways.
(D)Oh, the echoes of our laughter, chasing ever after,
(Em)The echo of our alleyway serenade.

[Verse 2: Em, G, D, A]
(Em)As the city sleeps, inside our hearts creep,
(G)A melody, wild and free.
(D)In the moon’s stolen glance, we find our last dance,
(A)In the backdrop of the city’s symphony.

[Chorus: C, G, D, Em]
(C)In the silent surrender, under stars’ splendor,
(G)We paint the town with our reckless ways.
(D)Oh, the echoes of our laughter, chasing ever after,
(Em)The echo of our alleyway serenade.

[Outro: C, G, D, Em]
(C)As dawn breaks, our painted city awakes,
(G)In the hue of our midnight masquerade.
(D)With the coming of the sun, our serenade is done,
(Em)Yet in our hearts, the echo remains.

Fan’s Name:
Lizzy Stein

Testimonial:
“I’ve been a fan of Smug Exhibition since their early garage days. There’s just something so authentic about their music, it’s raw and real. They’re not just making noise, they’re telling stories. ‘Alleyway Serenade’ is my favorite— the lyrics are so evocative, it feels like I’m right there with them in that moonlit street. Seeing them play live is a transcendental experience. Every performance is filled with energy, and it’s clear that they pour their hearts and souls into their music. Smug Exhibition isn’t just my favorite band, they’re a part of me.”

Backstory:

Bossy Battle was formed in the summer of 2013 in the bustling city of Chicago. The members of the band, David Whiteside (vocals/guitar), Rachel Borden (bass), Tommy Harkins (drums), and Ellie Swift (keyboard) were friends in college. They discovered their shared love for music and decided to establish their own band, initially performing in small gigs around college campuses. Their big break came in 2015 when a local radio station picked up one of their demo tapes. That exposure sparked widespread interest, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Genre: Indie Rock

Title: “Rising Tides”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
[C] Rolling with the [Am] rising tides, [Em] dancing with the [F] moon
[C] Chasing after [Am] wild nights, [Em] into a [F] ballad tune
[C] We’ve been down this [Am] road before, [Em] we’ve seen the [F] morning light
[C] Got nothing [Am] to fear anymore, [Em] we’ll just hold on [F] tight

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [Am] Bossy Battle [Em] in the dark [F] night
[C] Rising with the [Am] tides, we’ll [Em] never lose the [F] fight
[C] With our music [Am] as our guide, [Em] we’ll set the world [F] alight
[C] We are the [Am] Bossy Battle, [Em] we are the [F] light

(Verse 2)
[C] Dancing in the [Am] pouring rain, [Em] living for the [F] thrill
[C] We’ve seen the [Am] joy, we’ve known the [Em] pain, but [F] we’re standing still
[C] We write the [Am] songs of dreams and [Em] love, of heartbreak [F] and loss
[C] With our music [Am] we’ll rise above, [Em] no matter the [F] cost

(Chorus)
[C] We are the [Am] Bossy Battle [Em] in the wild [F] night
[C] Rising with the [Am] tides, we’ll [Em] never lose the [F] fight
[C] With our music [Am] as our guide, [Em] we’ll set the world [F] alight
[C] We are the [Am] Bossy Battle, [Em] we are the [F] light

Fan’s name: Jessica Moore

Jessica has been a fan of Bossy Battle since their early days of performing in college campuses. “Their music just resonates with my soul,” she says. Her favorite song is “Rising Tides” because it inspires her to fight through life’s challenges. She never misses a concert and owns all their merchandise. For Jessica, Bossy Battle is more than just a band; they’re her inspiration. “Their lyrics inspire me, their music fuels me. Bossy Battle isn’t just my favorite band, they’re my favorite poets, my favorite storytellers. Their songs are my life’s soundtrack,” says Jessica.

Backstory:

Homely Lunch started their journey in the bustling city of Seattle, Washington. The band was born from the casual jam sessions of five high-school friends – Dave, Mark, Tim, Mike, and Sara – who enjoyed creating music during their lunch breaks. The band’s unusual name was inspired by the comforting, homey meals they would share during these sessions. Their offbeat experiences and shared love for music provided them with a unique perspective and innate chemistry, which quickly became the signature element of their sound. As they gained popularity in their local community, they decided to bring their music to a broader audience, leading to the official formation of Homely Lunch in 2010.

Genre:

Indie Rock with a touch of Folk and Alternative Pop

Title:

“Sundrenched Kitchen”

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G D Am C
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, we share our tales,
G D Am C
Broken hearts, beaten paths, wind in our sails.
G D Am C
Laughter echoes, memories blend,
G D Am C
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, where hearts mend.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In the warmth of our love, we find peace,
Em C G D
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, where troubles cease.
Em C G D
Breakfast to dinner, friend to lover,
Em C G D
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, we discover.

(Verse 2)
G D Am C
The aroma of coffee, whispers of the past,
G D Am C
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, we make memories that last.
G D Am C
Chasing dreams, spilling secrets,
G D Am C
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, where no one forgets.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
In the warmth of our love, we find peace,
Em C G D
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, where troubles cease.
Em C G D
Breakfast to dinner, friend to lover,
Em C G D
In the Sundrenched Kitchen, we discover.

Fan Testimonial:

Fan’s Name: Emily Thompson

Emily: “Homely Lunch has been my favorite band ever since they played at our local community center back in 2011. I instantly connected with their lyrics and their sound felt so familiar, yet so contemporary. Their personal and honest storytelling, peppered with everyday experiences, makes me feel seen and heard. ‘Sundrenched Kitchen,’ in particular, never fails to evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort, reminding me of my own shared meals and conversations with loved ones. Homely Lunch’s music has been the soundtrack to my life, and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”

Backstory:

Wooden Jelly emerged from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, in 2011, where its members, John Davies (vocals), Sarah Franklin (guitar), and twins, Ian and Ethan Brown (bass and drums, respectively), met while studying at a local university. The band started as a side project but quickly gained momentum, playing at small venues and house parties. When their self-produced EP caught the attention of an indie record label, their hobby turned into a full-time career.

Despite experiencing the highs and lows that come with being in the music industry, Wooden Jelly has held onto its original spirit and camaraderie. They’ve used their experiences, both good and bad, as inspiration for their music, creating an honest and soulful blend of melodies and lyrics that resonate with their listeners.

Genre:

Indie Folk-Rock

Title:

“Canvas and Clay”

Full song lyrics:

[Verse 1]
Em Am D G
Under the moon’s silver glow, I see your face,
Em Am D G
In the canvas of the night, we find our space.
Em Am D G
Our laughter echoes, as the stars dance,
Em Am D G
In this moment, we’re entranced.

[Chorus]
C D G Em
We are but canvas and clay,
C D G Em
Shaped by love’s touch, day by day.
C D G Em
In the light, in the fray,
C D G Em
We are but canvas and clay.

[Verse 2]
Em Am D G
Among the whispers of the trees, we share a tale,
Em Am D G
With every sunset, our bond, it never fails.
Em Am D G
Lost in the rhythm of the rain’s sweet song,
Em Am D G
In your arms is where I belong.

[Chorus]
C D G Em
We are but canvas and clay,
C D G Em
Shaped by love’s touch, day by day.
C D G Em
In the light, in the fray,
C D G Em
We are but canvas and clay.

Favorite Fan:

Their biggest fan is Casey, a middle-aged woman from their hometown who has been to every one of their shows. She’s been there from the start, from their early days playing at small house parties to their sold-out concert tours. Casey’s testimony reads, “Wooden Jelly has this uncanny ability to capture real-life emotions in their music. Their songs resonate with me on a deep level, helping me get through the ups and downs of life. The rawness and honesty in their music, combined with their astounding musical talent, make them my favorite band. They’re more than just musicians to me; they’re the soundtrack to my life.”

Backstory:
Formed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York in 2013, the Strange Set came into existence when four friends – Sam, Joey, Mia, and Tim – decided to combine their shared love for vintage analog synthesizers, hazy guitars, and atmospheric harmonies. They found inspiration in the eclectic hipster coffeehouses and thrift stores that lined the streets of their neighborhood. The band members always had a knack for finding beauty in the unconventional, which is reflected in their unique musical style and approach.

Gradually, Strange Set began to win over the local crowd with their unique sound, later expanding their fanbase through indie music festivals and online streaming platforms. The band’s name, as unconventional as their music, was coined during a late-night jamming session where they decided their sound was a ‘strange set’ for an ordinary band.

Genre:
Indie Pop/ Psychedelic Rock

Title:
“Echoes of Yesterday”

Full Song Lyrics:
Verse 1:
(Am) Waking up to the (G) echoes of yesterday,
(Dm) Sifting through the (E) fragments of our decay.
(Am) Time has bent our (G) souls like old vinyl,
(Dm) But our tune is (E) stubborn, it refuses to spiral.

Chorus:
(Am) We’re the Strange Set, (G) lost in the maze,
(Dm) Dancing with shadows, (E) setting the stage.
(Am) Our chords are strung (G) with cosmic love,
(Dm) Our anthem is (E) the stars above.

Verse 2:
(Am) We’re a kaleidoscope (G) of sounds, a spectral haze,
(Dm) Our music is a (E) psychedelic maze.
(Am) We resonate with (G) the moon’s cold glow,
(Dm) Our rhythm is (E) the tides that ebb and flow.

Repeat Chorus.

Favorite Fan – Testimonial:
Our favorite fan is Sarah, a 20-year-old art student from Manhattan. She’s been following us since our early garage band days and has attended every single one of our gigs. Sarah says, “Strange Set is more than just a band to me, it’s a musical experience that transcends the ordinary. Their psychedelic soundscapes paired with profound lyrics resonate deeply with my soul. It’s like they find music in the chaos of life. They are my favorite because they offer more than just songs; they offer a strange yet beautiful perspective on life.”

Backstory:
Pointed Prayer rose to prominence in the underground music scene of Portland, Oregon in the late 2000s. The group was formed by childhood friends Elliot Mason (lead vocals, guitar) and Jackson “Jack” Field (drums, backup vocals) who shared a mutual passion for music and spiritual exploration. After completing high school, they took a year off to travel, where they found inspiration in the beauty and peace of monasteries in Tibet. Upon their return, they recruited Sophia Moon (bass guitar, backup vocals) and Lucas Bell (keyboards, synthesizer) to complete the band. Their music is a fusion of their spiritual reflections and experiences, seeking to evoke deep emotions and thoughts in their listeners.

Genre:
Pointed Prayer’s music can best be described as Psychedelic Indie Rock.

Title: “Whispers of the Divine”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Am G F C
In the stillness of the night,
Am G F C
The moon calls out to the divine.
Am G F C
Shadows dancing, spirits take flight,
Am G F C
In the whispers of the divine.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Speak to me, in the language of the stars,
Dm G C Am
Shine on me, your light from afar.
Dm G C Am
Guide me home, through the darkest times,
Dm G C Am
In your whispers, oh divine.

(Verse 2)
Am G F C
Through the veil of reality, we peer,
Am G F C
Seeking solace in your cosmic sphere.
Am G F C
Our hearts resonate with celestial cheer,
Am G F C
In the whispers of the divine.

(Chorus)
Dm G C Am
Speak to me, in the language of the stars,
Dm G C Am
Shine on me, your light from afar.
Dm G C Am
Guide me home, through the darkest times,
Dm G C Am
In your whispers, oh divine.

Fan’s Name:
Favourite Fan – Owen Montgomery.

Owen’s Testimonial:
Pointed Prayer isn’t just music for me, it’s a spiritual experience. Every chord, every lyric, resonates with the deepest parts of my being. It’s like they are channeling some universal truth directly to my soul. Their song “Whispers of the Divine” has become my daily mantra. In a world full of noise, they are the peaceful whisper that guides me home. Their music is both a pointed prayer and an absolute blessing.

Backstory:

Hailing from the rainy streets of Portland, Oregon, Fussy Bush emerged into the music scene in 2010. The band was formed by a group of high-school friends with a shared passion for music and a rebellious streak. Their humble beginnings of jamming in their garage were soon transformed into nationwide tours and a loyal fanbase, thanks to their unique sound and high-energy performances. Over the decades, Fussy Bush has weathered several lineup changes, but the essence of their sound and spirit remained unchanged.

Genre:

Fussy Bush is renowned for their distinctive blend of Indie Rock and Psychedelic Pop. Their music reverberates with innovative guitar riffs, rhythmic drum beats, and lyrics that resonate with listeners of all kinds. They have a knack for creating atmospheric soundscapes that transport listeners into a world of their own.

Title:

One of their biggest hits is “Velvet Shadows”.

Song Lyrics:

(Verse)
Em G D A
Wandering through life’s maze,
Em G D A
In the midst of velvet shadows.
Em G D A
Lost, looking for a gaze,
Em G D A
In the sea of untold sorrows.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Velvet shadows, hide me well,
Em G D A
In your mystery, let me dwell.
Em G D A
In the silence, let me dwell,
Em G D A
In the heart of the velvet shadows.

(Verse)
Em G D A
In your riddles, I find truths,
Em G D A
In your darkness, I find lights.
Em G D A
In your silence, I find roots,
Em G D A
In the velvet shadows of the nights.

(Chorus)
Em G D A
Velvet shadows, show me more,
Em G D A
In your depths, let me explore.
Em G D A
In your enigma, let me soar,
Em G D A
In the heart of the velvet shadows.

Fan:

Fussy Bush’s biggest fan is named Jenna. Jenna loves Fussy Bush because she finds their songs incredibly relatable. She says, “Their music feels like a soundtrack to my life, from their reflective lyrics to their stirring tunes. Every concert feels like a personal journey. Fussy Bush has a special way of connecting with their audience, it’s as if they’re speaking directly to me. Their song ‘Velvet Shadows’ is my go-to track on any hard day. It gives me strength and makes me feel understood. Their music is not just songs, it’s an experience, it’s therapy.”

Backstory:
Partial Tv is an avant-garde group formed in 2007 in the heart of Manhattan, New York. The band consists of four core members: lead vocalist and guitarist, Harvey Owens, bassist, Peter “Petey” Sinclair, drummer, Lyle Harris, and keyboardist, Mira Styles. They all met while working at the same vintage record store in Greenwich Village, quickly bonding over their shared passion for music and desire to create something unique and unpredictable. Their name, Partial Tv, was inspired by a broken television set in the store’s corner, which only displayed partial images but captivated them with its random patterns and abstract beauty.

Genre:
Partial Tv primarily falls under the umbrella of Neo-psychedelia with elements of experimental rock and ambient music. Their sound is characterized by its complex and layered textures, combining fuzz-drenched guitar lines with ethereal synth work, intricate basslines, and unpredictable drum patterns.

Title:
“Kaleidoscope Dreams”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
G C
In the realm of colored glass,
Em D
Fragments of the past amassed,
G C
Shattered memories do cast,
Em D
Shadows of love that was vast.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Kaleidoscope dreams,
Dm G
Echoing silent screams,
Am Em Dm G
A prism of thoughts, as unreal it seems.

(Verse 2)
G C
Through the spectrum, colors bleed,
Em D
In this world that’s freed,
G C
From the chains of reality’s seed,
Em D
In kaleidoscope dreams, we proceed.

(Chorus)
Am Em
Kaleidoscope dreams,
Dm G
Life’s not as it seems,
Am Em Dm G
In these fragments, find truth’s gleams.

Fan Testimonial:
The band’s favorite fan goes by the name of “Vinyl Valerie”. Valerie is a music enthusiast who fell in love with Partial Tv’s unique sound and their dedication to pushing boundaries. As a collector of vinyl records, she immediately appreciated their homage to retro aesthetics, but it was their inventive soundscape that truly captivated her.

Valerie says, “Partial Tv offers a beautifully hypnotic escape from the monotony of everyday life. Their music is a shining realm of its own, full of rich textures and transcendent melodies. It’s like diving into a painting of vibrant colors and emerging with a new understanding of the world. They’re more than just my favorite band – they’re the architects of my sonic sanctuary.”